Australian Spotted Ducks
| Sex | Order | 1+ |
|---|---|---|
| Unsexed | $44.99 |
The beautiful Australian Spotted is a bantam breed of duck that has been in existence for just over 100 years. They were bred and refined in Pennsylvania over the span of about 20 years, from the 1920s-1940s. There were at least three breeders involved in the development of these ducks, and they were exhibited at poultry shows as early as 1928.
All three of the known breeders used the same foundation breeds to create the Australian Spotted; Mallards, Calls, Northern Pintails, and an unknown Australian wild duck. In each case they housed all of the birds together and let them interbreed at will. After a few generations, a distinct looking duck began to emerge. The best offspring were selected for further breeding and became the first generations of the Australian Spotted breed. They come in three different color varieties; greenhead, bluehead and silverhead. All three can be interbred and will still produce purebred ducks in one of the three varieties.
Australian Spotted drakes resemble mallards in coloring, but they have ruddy colored spots on their back and sides as well as a white chest and white flight feathers. Females appear to have “frosted” mallard coloring with many small dark spots sprinkled throughout their markings. Ducks will lay white, blue, or green eggs and they can produce anywhere from 50-125 eggs per year. They are reported to be the best layers in the bantam duck class.
Available as straight run only.
| Mar 9 | Mar 16 | Mar 23 | Apr 6 | Apr 13 | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | May 4 | May 11 | May 18 | May 26 | Jun 1 | Jun 8 | Jun 15 | Jun 22 | Jun 29 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unsexed |
• Available
• Not Available
• Limited Availability (<10 birds)
Though the Australian Spotted has never been accepted into the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection, small numbers of them were shown throughout the 20th century. One of the primary purposes of this breed was exhibition/showing and although they were originally classified and shown as a wild breed, they have evolved with a gentle personality and calm demeanor. They meet all of the requirements for an American heritage breed and are currently classified as critically endangered by the Livestock Conservancy.
By the 1990s, one of the original Pennsylvania flocks had been relocated to a waterfowl breeder/hatchery in Oregon. They became more readily available to the public but were still largely unknown. About 30 years later, when the breeder retired, some of the flock would be relocated to Montana and from there slowly spread through the US. Australian Spotted ducks remain very popular with the small number of poultry keepers who know about them and they deserve to be more widely known and appreciated.
If you are interested in supporting sustainable farming and the preservation of rare and endangered livestock breeds, this may be a good breed to add to your order. In 2025, we will donate $5 to the Livestock Conservancy for every Australian Spotted purchased. This organization plays a vital role in promoting and preserving rare breeds, ensuring their survival for future generations. When you choose Australian Spotted ducks, you’re not just adding a unique breed to your collection – you’re actively contributing to the protection of agricultural biodiversity and the conservation of rare livestock breeds.
Customer Reviews of Australian Spotted Ducks
5.0Kimberly H. | Super little ducks!
We are return customers and happy to learn that Metzer had Australian Spotted ducks available. For every Australian spotted duckling in our order, Metzer donated a portion to the Livestock Conservancy. Outstanding! Our ducklings arrived a few days ago. They are healthy, bold and full of energy. We are eager to see them grow out and so glad we can support this breed. Thank you Metzer Farms. We recommend Metzer 100%!
Amber M. | Excited to have them on the homestead!
These guys are the cutest and so absolutely sweet. We have 3 that look to be like based on their coloring. The 3 we have are thriving and getting to be so personable. We have named them potato, bean and sprout! We are excited to help continue to conserve their breed!
Michael H. | Received Four Today
They were here a day after being shipped. They are super healthy and active. The began eating and drinking as soon as we got them in their little home.
Kathy M. | Three perfect little Australian Spotted Ducks
They arrived quickly and super duper spunky!!!! They are now nine days old, and they are soooo much fun. Highly recommend this breed and Metzer!
Rachel M. | Sweetest little babies
I ordered my Australian Spotteds earlier this month and initially wanted 4, unfortunately I was late on the ball and could only get 2 so I added 2 little calls to be their besties. I have Rouens and Buffs already, so I say with at least a little confidence that all 4 are the friendliest ducklings I've ever encountered but the Australians exceptionally so. These 2 will fall asleep in your hands and enjoy being cuddled. I'm already planning to get ahead next year and order more much sooner. Aside from that, communication on delivery started an entire week early, plus the predicted 3 day delivery was actually 2. They arrived happy, healthy, and full of vigor.
Bryan B. | Couldn't be happier
Just received them today a day early! All 4 happy and healthy.
Jenna M. | The Three Gifts that Keep Giving
Since day one, our happy, healthy trio of Aussies have brought us immeasurable joy. We ended up with three boys (Honey, Mozzie, and Pip) and love them dearly. Their coloring and personalities are all so different. I love how curious they are!! Watching them grow has been the best experience of my life thus far. Metzer Farms is top notch. We'd love to get some females in the future, but for now the fraternity flock reigns supreme.
Zoey S. | All Babies look Amazing
Just picked my 5 duckies up, 2 Aussie spotteds, 2 runners and 1 Welsh harlequin. Everyone is looking great! All bright eyed and alert, thank you guys!